How Much Does Student Accommodation Actually Cost in 2026?
Let me cut through the noise.
I've spent weeks analyzing 1,334 student properties across 79 UK cities. Not estimates. Not "starting from" prices. Actual weekly rents from real listings.
The answer to "how much should I pay?" depends on exactly three things: where you study, what room type you want, and which provider you choose.
Here's everything you need to know.
The UK Average (And Why It's Misleading)
The "average" student rent in the UK is around £166/week according to most sources.
But that number is useless because it hides massive regional differences.
Here's what I actually found from 1,334 properties:
| City | Average/Week | Cheapest | Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £347 | £100 | 176 |
| Edinburgh | £285 | £130 | 41 |
| Manchester | £241 | £150 | 38 |
| Glasgow | £218 | £99 | 40 |
| Birmingham | £179 | £109 | 45 |
| Nottingham | £150 | £92 | 87 |
| Liverpool | £137 | £79 | 46 |
| Sheffield | £104 | £73 | 54 |
The gap is insane. Living in London costs £12,636 more per year than Sheffield. That's not a small difference - that's an entire year's maintenance loan.
Cost by Room Type
Room type makes a massive difference. Here's what you'll pay:
| Room Type | UK Average | London | Sheffield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared room | £90-120 | £150-180 | £65-85 |
| En-suite room | £140-180 | £250-350 | £100-140 |
| Studio flat | £200-280 | £350-500 | £150-200 |
My honest take: En-suite rooms are the sweet spot for most students. You get privacy where it matters (bathroom) without paying studio prices.
What's Included in Your Rent?
This is where it gets complicated. Most purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) includes bills, but not always.
Typically included:
- ✅ Water, electricity, gas
- ✅ WiFi/broadband
- ✅ Contents insurance
- ✅ Building maintenance
Usually NOT included:
- ❌ TV licence (£169.50/year if you watch live TV)
- ❌ Laundry (£2-4 per wash)
- ❌ Printing credits
- ❌ Parking
Pro tip: Always check if bills are included. A £130/week room with bills included often works out cheaper than a £110/week room where you pay separately.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Beyond rent, here's what actually adds up:
| Hidden Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Deposit (usually 1 week's rent) | £100-350 |
| Booking fee (some providers) | £0-250 |
| Admin/reference check fee | £0-50 |
| Guarantor service (if needed) | £200-400 |
| Summer rent (if 51-week contract) | £400-1,400 |
The 51-week trap: Many PBSA providers only offer 51-week contracts. That means you're paying rent over summer even if you go home. Always ask about shorter contracts - some providers offer 44 or 48 weeks.
Provider Price Comparison
Same room type, wildly different prices. Here's what major providers charge on average:
| Provider | Avg. Price | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|
| Scape | £280+ | 4.1★ |
| Host | £180-250 | 4.0★ |
| Unite Students | £150-220 | 2.7★ |
| iQ | £140-200 | 2.7★ |
| Student Roost | £130-180 | 2.4★ |
The truth about ratings: Cheaper providers often have worse reviews. You're not just paying for the room - you're paying for responsive maintenance, security, and working facilities.
How to Actually Afford It
Real talk: student accommodation is expensive. Here's how to make it work:
1. Max out your maintenance loan Apply for the maximum based on your household income. Don't leave money on the table.
2. Consider location trade-offs A room 20 minutes from campus can be £50/week cheaper than one across the road. Over 44 weeks, that's £2,200.
3. Avoid studios unless you need them Studios are 40-60% more expensive. Unless you have specific accessibility or mental health needs, an en-suite room gives you enough privacy.
4. Look beyond central locations Properties slightly outside city centres are significantly cheaper. Factor in the £10-20/week transport cost - it's often still cheaper.
5. Book early but not too early January-March is prime booking season. Early bookings get better prices, but last-minute (August-September) can also have deals on remaining rooms.
The Bottom Line
Here's what you should expect to pay in 2026:
- Budget option: £80-120/week (shared bathroom, non-central)
- Mid-range: £140-180/week (en-suite, decent location)
- Premium: £200-280/week (studio or central location)
- London tax: Add 50-100% to all of the above
Search properties by your budget →
All prices from our database of 1,334 verified properties. Data updated January 2026. Prices vary by specific building and availability.